Forrest Musselman has written plays since he was in high school at Peterson. The school had a tradition of presenting class skits; when it was time for the yearly competition, Mussleman’s peers immediately turned to him and expected him to write their skit. Forrest didn’t disappoint — he loved writing plays! Forrest left high school thinking he’d like to be an actor. At Winona … [Read more...]
“Lady of the Lake” Floats into Preston Veterans Home, Courtesy of Preston Area Arts Council
In January 2024 the Preston Area Arts Council disbanded due to a lack of new members and current members aging out. But before that happened the council decided they wanted to present the Preston Veterans Home with a gift. The council was made up of five members: Kay Spangler, founder and co-director, Mariella TerBeest-Schladweiler, co-director, Eileen Linden, the late … [Read more...]
Clean Audit for Fountain
At the March 6 meeting, the Fountain Council welcomed AndreW Forliti, principal for Smith Schafer, to discuss the 2023 audit findings. Local Government Aid (LGA) provided to the city remained flat for the last four years, but it will increase slightly to $92,011 in 2024. The state funding currently provides 20% of the total city revenues. The city has needed to increase the … [Read more...]
Caucus Night for DFL and GOP
On the eve of Tuesday, February 27, 2024, politically interested individuals gathered at caucus precincts throughout the State of Minnesota. In total, caucuses were held in 4,002 precincts across the state. This grassroots process presents an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts with hopes of influencing which candidates and issues gain support for their … [Read more...]
Warrior Football Coach Carl Fruechte Praises Community Support
Caledonia football coach, Carl Fruechte, emphasizes that his induction into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (MFCA) is a testament to the unwavering support of the vibrant community he has the privilege to lead. Expressing his gratitude, Fruechte remarked, “I could not have done it without the communities of Brownsville, Caledonia, Eitzen and … [Read more...]
Mindy Jones Jailed Prior to Sentencing
Mindy Jo Jones was scheduled to appear in Fillmore County District Court for sentencing on Monday, February 12, but was unable to appear due to a medical emergency. Due to Jones’ unavailability on Monday, February 12, a continuance of the sentencing hearing was scheduled for February 16. Found Guilty Fillmore County Judge Jeremy L. Clinefelter found Mindy Jo Jones guilty … [Read more...]
What Does the Future Hold for VFWs and Legions?
Many service organizations and clubs have been struggling – does this hold true for our local VFWs and American Legions? Are the organizations still viable? I spoke with members from four of the local VFWs and American Legions to see how things are going from them. Canton American Legion The Canton American Legion’s membership has not lost any members recently and has … [Read more...]
Twin Sisters Charged in Fatal Amish Buggy Accident
Samantha Jo Petersen, 35, is facing 21 criminal charges relating to a fatal accident on the morning of September 25, 2023, that claimed the lives of two Amish children. Her twin sister, Sarah Beth Petersen, is facing 16 criminal charges relating to the same fatal accident. Back on September 25, 2023, a horse drawn Amish buggy carting four children on County Road 1 in the … [Read more...]
City of Rushford Village Awarded Safe Routes to School Grant
Rebecca Charles of CEDA (Community and Economic Development Associates) appeared before the City of Rushford Village Council Meeting on February 6 to present her monthly report and the news that she had just been informed that CRV had been selected for funding through the Minnesota Department of Transportation recent Safe Routes to School solicitation. Charles shared that the … [Read more...]
Nationwide Trends Observed at Local Libraries
Libraries are dying. Nobody reads print books anymore. Maybe you’ve heard those sentiments in the last few years and wondered if they’re true. Recent trends have actually shown the opposite. Not only are libraries growing and expanding in their collections and patrons, some people are ditching eBooks for print books they can hold in their hands. The most surprising part is … [Read more...]
2023 Business Person of the Year: Suzanne Gardner Receives Award of Excellence From Journal Readers
As a newspaper, we have an opportunity to bring people together for a common good. To inspire and foster positive news presented by our readers that lifts people up in the communities we serve. Starting in 2020, the staff at the Fillmore County Journal coordinated the first-ever recognition for the Business Person of the Year. The newspaper publishes a form to fill out and … [Read more...]
The Story of Callie’s Corner
On October 14, 2023, a precious baby girl was eager to enter this world. Callie Rae Tweten was in a rush to celebrate her big brother Tade’s birthday on October 15, with her mom and dad, Tyler and Nicole (Baumler) Tweten. Nicole was eager to share Callie’s birth story as it was a memorable adventure, explaining that before her due date, Callie started coming fast. The young … [Read more...]
Bluff Brothers Brewing: From Homebrew Hobbyists to Spring Valley’s Newest Taproom
Creating “approachable” craft beers, catering to the preferences of small-town Minnesota. That is the business philosophy Mitchell and Marcus Plaehn have set for themselves at their new venture, Bluff Brothers Brewing, Spring Valley’s newest taproom. “Our goal is to make good craft beer that caters to small-town customers,” Marcus explains. “A lot of people come in and ask, … [Read more...]
Chatfield Freemasons Donate Fire Suppression Devices
The Fillmore County Sheriff’s Office recently received a donation of three life-saving fire suppression devices from the Chatfield Masonic Lodge and the Freemasons. “It can make a dramatic difference in a house fire,” stated Scott Oesterlin, member of the Chatfield Masonic Lodge (Meridian Lodge No. 25), who spearheaded the project. Oesterlin presented the devices to … [Read more...]
First Veteran Moves into Preston Veterans Home
Long-time Preston resident Walter Hanson was the first resident to move into the Preston Veterans Home, on his 91st birthday, January 3, 2024. The newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Preston admitted its first residents on January 3 – four veterans who served in eras from Korea to Vietnam. The Preston Veterans Home is the first of three new veterans homes scheduled to … [Read more...]